Comma
Polygonia c-album
Conservation status: Common
When to see: January to December
About
The comma butterfly gets its name from the distinctive comma-shaped white spots on the underside of its wings. It is a medium-sized butterfly with a striking orange-and-brown colouration. This beautiful insect can be seen fluttering about throughout the year, as it has several broods and overwinters as an adult. The comma butterfly is a widespread species found in woodland edges, especially during the spring and autumn. But this was not always the case as the comma butterfly were once in severe decline in Britain. Its caterpillars feed on common nettles and willows, and are easily recognisable by their brown and white flecks, which help to camouflage them and make them look like bird droppings.
| See also different: | Garden butterflies |
